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Vulcan

North America, Washington, United States, Seattle

Description

Vulcan Capital is the multi-stage investment arm of Vulcan LLC, the private company founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen in 1986. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Vulcan Capital manages a diverse portfolio of investments across various stages, from early-stage venture to growth equity and public markets. The firm leverages its deep industry expertise and the broader resources of Vulcan LLC, which encompasses a wide array of initiatives in real estate, sports, media, and philanthropy, to support its portfolio companies. This unique structure allows Vulcan Capital to take a long-term view on its investments, often providing strategic guidance beyond mere capital.

The firm's investment strategy is largely sector-agnostic but shows a strong inclination towards technology, including enterprise software, artificial intelligence, fintech, consumer internet, and digital media. Vulcan Capital actively seeks out disruptive technologies and innovative business models that have the potential for significant market impact. They are known for their flexibility in investment size and stage, often participating in seed and Series A rounds for promising startups, while also leading larger growth equity rounds for more mature companies. Their approach emphasizes partnership with founders, aiming to provide operational support and access to a vast network.

Vulcan Capital has built an extensive portfolio, demonstrating a consistent track record of identifying and nurturing successful ventures. As of recent data, the firm has made over 170 investments, with a notable number of these being lead investments, underscoring their commitment to taking significant stakes and active roles. Their portfolio boasts more than 45 successful exits, including prominent companies that have gone on to achieve substantial market value. For initial investments, Vulcan Capital typically writes checks ranging from approximately $1 million for early-stage opportunities to upwards of $25 million for growth equity rounds, reflecting their adaptable investment mandate. This broad range allows them to engage with companies at various points in their lifecycle, from inception through significant scaling.

Investor Profile

Vulcan has backed more than 28 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 9 rounds, about 32% of its total and boasts 12 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series Unknown, Series C, Private Equity rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, The Netherlands.
  • Strong thematic focus on Internet, Retail, Information Technology.
  • Typical check size: $1M – $25M.

Stage Focus

  • Series Unknown (36%)
  • Series C (18%)
  • Private Equity (14%)
  • Series B (14%)
  • Seed (7%)
  • Series A (4%)
  • Series F (4%)
  • Series E (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (96%)
  • The Netherlands (4%)

Industry Focus

  • Internet
  • Retail
  • Information Technology
  • Semiconductor
  • E-commerce
  • Marketplace
  • Software
  • Fashion
  • Enterprise Software
  • Wireless
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Vulcan frequently co-invest with?

Goldman Sachs
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 2
Oak Investment Partners
North America, Connecticut, United States, Wilton
Co-Investments: 3
Maveron
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Menlo Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
APV Technology Partners
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 2
Highland Capital Partners
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Lexington
Co-Investments: 3
Go2Net
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 2
Madrona
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Co-Investments: 2
Sony Pictures Entertainment
North America, California, United States, Culver City
Co-Investments: 2
Zone Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does Vulcan often collaborate with?

Shared Deals: 1
NN
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Shared Deals: 1
LK
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 1
SD
North America, Indiana, United States, Indianapolis
Shared Deals: 1
Ryan Holmes
North America, British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver
Shared Deals: 1
SS
North America, Washington, United States, Redmond
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Vulcan?

Clyde

New York, New York, United States

Clyde is a product lifecycle platform that aims to assist businesses to increase profits.

FinanceInsuranceProduct ManagementProductivity Tools
Series BOct 19, 2021
Amount Raised: $25,000,000
Picnic

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands

Picnic is a fast-growing tech company that has developed a mass-market home delivery system for fast moving consumer goods

Consumer GoodsDelivery ServiceE-CommerceGroceryRetail
Series UnknownSep 18, 2020
Modumetal

Seattle, Washington, United States

Modumetal is a technology company developing, manufacturing and licensing advanced nanolaminate materials to outperform conventional metal.

AutomotiveIndustrialManufacturingOil and Gas
Series UnknownDec 18, 2019
ScaleFactor

Austin, Texas, United States

ScaleFactor provides accounting and finance software with automated bookkeeping, proactive alerts, and other features.

AccountingBusiness IntelligenceFinanceFinancial ServicesFinTechSaaSSoftware
Series CAug 8, 2019
Amount Raised: $60,000,000
Alpha

Menlo Park, California, United States

Alpha is an index of the 20 most trusted cryptocurrencies.

B2BBitcoinBlockchainCryptocurrencyFinTech
SeedJan 18, 2018
Amount Raised: $1,400,000
Pioneer Square Labs

Seattle, Washington, United States

Pioneer Square Labs is a studio that creates and launches technology startups.

Enterprise SoftwareInternetMobile
Series BJan 18, 2018
Amount Raised: $15,000,000
eStyle

Santa Monica, California, United States

eStyle operates BabyStyle, a platform that provides online and offline retail locations for baby products.

FashionInternetRetail
Series FDec 17, 2002
Amount Raised: $1,868,000
eStyle

Santa Monica, California, United States

eStyle operates BabyStyle, a platform that provides online and offline retail locations for baby products.

FashionInternetRetail
Series EJul 26, 2002
Amount Raised: $1,139,000
Rocket Network

San Francisco, California, United States

Rocket Network provides online music recording studios.

Audio Recording and ProductionInternetMusicWireless
Series UnknownMay 31, 2001
Amount Raised: $9,300,000
IFILM

Santa Monica, California, United States

Screen Junkies is an online platform that offers the latest news and content from the entertainment industry.

Digital EntertainmentVideo Streaming
Series UnknownFeb 5, 2001
Amount Raised: $10,000,000